Colored light blending and displaying apparatus and circuit therefor

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for illuminating pairs of lamps in a bank thereof in sequence and the gradual illumination of one such lamp as the other decreases in intensity through the medium of a common variable transformer under the control of a reversible motor as various sets of such lamps are brought into the circuit through a commutator type selector.

COLORS L 1 61-11 LAMPS RELAYs COM STEP-up ited States Patent Charles 'luur 444 Paula Court, Santa Clara, Calif. 95050 37,739

May 15, 1970 Aug. 31, 1971 Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented COLORED LIGI-I'l BLENDING AND DISPLAYING APPARATUS AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR 5 Claims, 1 Drawing Fig.

Int. Cl 1105b 39/02 Field of Search ..315/209-2l1 sconce awakens EEVERSABLE G" ELECTRICAL SWITCH M0702 CURRENT MECHKNISM [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,213,528 1/1917 Naylor.... 315/315 X 1,483,710 2/1924 Black 315/211 1,772,606 8/1930 Hopkin,.lr.. 315/313 X 2,041,458 5/1936 Cooper 315/210 2,626,389 1/1953 Ellison 315/316 X 3,004,193 10/1961 Bentham et a1 315/316 X Primary Examiner-Ronald J. Wibert Assistant Examiner-R. .1. Webster Attorney- Leslie M. Hansen ABSTRACT: Apparatus for illuminating pairs of lamps in a bank thereof in sequence and the gradual illumination of one such lamp as the other decreases in intensity through the medium of a common variable transformer under the control of a reversible motor as various sets of such lamps are brought into the circuit through a commutator type selector.

PU RPLEX l4 ALTERNATI NG VARIABLE TRANSFORMER SWlTCHES COLORED LIGHT BLENDING AND DISPLAYING APPARATUS AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR BACKGROUND This invention relates to display lighting wherein lamps of various colors are gradually being illuminated and extinguished in a manner to achieve an imperceptible blending of colored lighting. In general the present invention contemplates the provision of means for continuously changing colored lights relative to a water fountain, electrical sign or in the background of a stage, theater or public place for aesthetic purposes. I

The art of interchangeable colored lighting is highly developed, numerous patents having been issued on circuitry for accomplishing the ultimate result. The most pertinent of the prior patents show instruments of a complex nature entailing a duplicity of mechanisms. More important these prior disclosures involve separate rheostats for each distinguishing bank of lamps requiring independent motors and controls for each set of lamps.

' The present invention is directed to a more compact apparatus requiring a minimum of working pans operated by a single reversible motor, variable voltage supply and control means therefor.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION The present invention contemplates the provision of a control apparatus in which means selectively establish different pairs of lamps for illumination under the control of a single motor and the output of a common voltage supply in the nature of a variable transformer operated thereby. In this connection it should be understood that voltage to the lamps may 'be varied by means such as a potentiometer with silicon rectifiers controlled by a potentiometer. For purpose of convenience such devices are hereinafter referred to as a variable transformer. 1

This invention has as its principal object to provide a common variable transformer for all of the lamps in the banks thereof in a display lighting apparatus.

It is another object to provide in such as apparatus a commutator for selectively establishing circuit to alternate relays of various lamps in the banks thereof through the variable voltage supply for gradually illuminating one lamp while diminishing the intensity of the other lamp as they are progressively brought into circuit at low voltage.

It is another object of this invention to provide a common drive shaft from a single motor for controlling the operation of a variable transformer in timed relation with the entry and exit of each lamp selected by such commutator as the latter progresses.

It is a still further object to provide a simple yet effective and efficient compact control mechanism for the circuitry to a bank of colored lamps for effecting an imperceptible entry and harmonious blending of two such lamps as a previous lamp is fading out of the circuit.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description and accompanying drawing illustrative a schematic diagram of the apparatus and circuitry involved.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawing the control, apparatus of the present invention has its embodiment in a circuit 11 including a reversible motor 12 having its drive shaft 13 connected to a variable transformer 14 and to an alternating switch mechanism 15 related to the drive shaft 13 as is amake and break switch mechanism 16 of a step-up unit 17 for a commutator 18 to sequentially energize certain one or more lamps in a plurality thereof through the medium of a series of relays R.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION More specifically the control apparatus is confined in a compact cabinet (not shown) in which the reversible motor 12 is secured at a central location and has its drive shaft 13 extending sidewise in relation to its associated mechanisms. The reversible motor 12 has oppositely wound coils 20-20' the ends of which are connected by wires 21-21, respectively,- to separated switches 22 and 22' in the alternating switch mechanism 15. The opposite contact of each of these switches 22-22 is connected to a wire 23 the opposite end of which is connected to a source of volt current via a manually operated starting switch 24. Midway opposite ends of the coils 20-21 are connected by a common electrical conductor 25 going to the other side of the source of 1 10 volt electrical current.

Each switch 22 and 22' is formed as a part of normally on time delay relays 26/26, respectively, each of which is controlled by a separate initiating switch contact 27 or 27' alternately operated by an alternator switch arm 28 in the alternating switch mechanism 15.

The alternator switch arm 28 is disposed for engagement by either a lever 29 or lever 29' each of which is secured to the drive shaft 13 of the reversible motor 12 for reciprocation thereby at the termination of each alternate operation thereof. The alternator switch arm 28 is electrically connected to the first named wire 23 coming from the source of electrical ener- The initiating switch contacts 27-27 supply current to one side of the coil of the respective time delay relay 26-26, the opposite sides of which are electrically connected to the other side 25 of the source of electrical energy. By this arrangement upon manual closing of the starting switch 24 one or the other time delay relay 26 or 26' inthe alternating mechanism 15 is initially energized for a predetermined lapse of time by the engagement of the respective lever arm 29 or 29 with the alternator switch arm 28 and the respective initiating switch contact 27 or 27'. Thus either one or the other coil 20 or 20' of the motor 12 is energized to turn the rotor and drive shaft 13 in one or the other direction. Suitable gear reduction between the rotor and drive shaft 13 serves to reciprocate the latter in a range less than 360 between operations of the limit switches 27-27 and 28 of the alternating mechanism 15. The variable transformer 14 and the step-up unit 17 of commutator 18 are thereby operated in timed relation to the alternate operations' of the motor 12. V

The variable transformer 14 includes an output coil 30 the opposite ends 31 and 32 of which are inversely connected electrically to separate banks of the relays R. The separate banks of relays R have been distinguished from one another by odd and even numbered designations. In this disclosure all of the odd numbered relays R (l, 3, S, 7, and 9) are electrically connected to the odd numbered end 31 of the coil 30 of the transformer 14. Conversely, all of the even numbered relays R (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) are electrically connected to the even numbered end 32 of the coil 30.

Each of the relays R in both banks thereof includes a coil 33 having one side thereof electrically connected to the common side 25 of the source of electrical current. The opposite sides of each of the coils 33 are variously connected to the switch controlled side 24 of the source of electrical current through the commutator 18 for sequentially operating one and another relay R in a manner now to be explained.

The commutator 18 is constructed with oppositely disposed contact points P between which a rider 34 intermittently moves to supply electrical current to any two of the contact points P. The oppositely disposed contact points P are preferably arranged in a circle and the rider 34 is on a rotary arm 35 which swings about the axis of such circle to sequentially supply electrical current to two of the oppositely electrical current. This arm 35 may move steadily or as illustrated, in steps by operation of the step-up unit 17. In the present disclosure 1 have been shown the step-up unit as including a rachet 36 to which the rotary arm 35 is secured for rotary movement thereby. A spring-loaded pawl 37 drives the ratchet 36 upon energization of a solenoid 38 which receives its current from a direct current supply provided by a converter 39.

The converter 39 has one side electrically connected to the common conductor 25 from the source of electrical current.

The opposite side of the converter 39 is controlled by the make and break switch mechanism 16 as a normally open movable contact 40 thereof is closed by a cam 41 on the reciprocating shaft 13 to attract the pawl 37 against its spring. The cam 41 has a declivity which allows the movable contact 40 to break circuit to the solenoid 38 throughout each cycle of operation of the motor 12 to thereby deenergize the solenoid 38 and allow the spring urged pawl 37 to assume normal condition to advance the ratchet 36 one step at the end of each cycle. Thus the rotary arm 35 and rider 34 is advanced from one pair of contact points P to the next contact point P on the commutator 18.

As illustrated in the drawing one of each of the odd and even relays R is supplied electrical current simultaneously by engagement of the rider 34 with an opposite pair of contact points P on the commutator. For purposes of illustration 1 have shown the lower sets of contact points P as connected to even numbered relays R and all upper sets of contact points P connected to the odd numbered relays R. It will therefore be noted that even numbered and odd numbered pairs of contact points P are alternately engaged by the rider 34 as it progresses.

In the drawing contact points numbered 9 and 6 are thus in circuit to energize relays 9 and 6, respectively. Assuming that the rider 34 is progressing form left to right in the drawing it will be appreciated that as the rider 34 disconnects from odd numbered contact point 9 the rider immediately connects with odd numbered contact point 7 while holding even numbered contact point 6 in circuit. As contact point 6 is disengaged by the rider 34 the next even numbered contact point is engaged while the odd numbered contact point 7 remains in circuit. And so it goes progressively to establish circuit to alternately odd and even and then odd holding relays R to establish a light circuit through the respective relay switches to the lamps L.

As previously pointed out all of the odd numbered relays R have their relay switches 43 in electrical connection with the odd numbered end 31 of the transformer coil 30 while the relay switches 44 of the even numbered relays receive current from the even numbered side 32 of the coil 30. It will therefore be appreciated that only relay switches 43 and 44 of two such relays R will be initially energized through their electrical connection with the source of electrical energy via one pair of the contact points P engaged by the rider 34.

It should here be noted that each set of lamps L controlled by a particular relay R gives off a distinguishing color. The lamp at relay 9 being Red and those at relay 6 being Orange, the two combine to give a blending color.

The electrical current to the particular lamps L illuminated is controlled by the coil 30 of the variable transformer 14. This is accomplished by induction from the source of energy through the medium of a sweep arm 45 connected to the reciprocating drive shaft 13 of the reversible motor 12.

The greater the length of the coil 30 between the sweep arm 45 and either end 31 or 32 of the coil 30 the greater the voltage created by induction to such ends of the coil. As depicted in the drawing it will be noted that the sweep arm 45 is indicated to be turning in an anticlockwise direction. Consequently, the circuit to the Red lamps L which were previously established had reached their maximum intensity and are now diminishing in intensity by reason of the shortening of the coil 30 between the end 31 thereof and the sweep arm 45. By the same token the Orange colored lamps L at relay 6 which were most recently brought into circuit by the commutator 18 and connected to the even numbered end 32 of the coil 30 will have started out quite dim. Consequently, as the illumination of the Red lamps 9 begin to decrease in intensity the Orange lamps 6 gradually increase intensity as the sweep arm 45 lengthens its distance from the end 32 of the coil 30. The Orange colored lamps L on relay 6 therefore increase in intensity while the Red lamps of relay 9 diminish in intensity. Consequently, as the Red fade out the commutator steps up one step to establish circuit to the Yellow colored lamps L at relay 7 via end 31 of the coil 30 while the Orange colored lamps L of relay 6 are at their height of brillia n'cy.

The lamps L are arranged to project their luminescence onto an object, panel or any suitable light defusing medium in a manner well known in the art. The colored light from two sets of lamps L thus successively change and imperceptibly blend as the cycles of operation of the reversing motor 12 reciprocate in timed relation with the progressions of the commutator 18.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the intensity of illumination of every lamp L in the circuit 11 is controlled by the single coil 30 of the variable transformer 14. In other words, the output of current from this coil 30 is divided between the two different colored lamps in circuit. The lamp L remaining in circuit obtains maximum current while a preceding lamp fades out and the lamp next established in circuit comes on dim. As the sweep arm 45 arrives midway the coil 30-both lamps in circuit receive equal current thus achieving a full blend of the two colors involved.

Having thus described the colored light blending and displaying apparatus and circuit therefor in specific detail it will be appreciated that the same may be modified or altered without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention therein.

What I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for establishing and maintaining circuit continuity to and gradually diminishing lumination of one set of colored lamps while gradually luminating a different set of colored lamps upon establishment of an electrical circuit thereto comprising in combination:

A. First and second sets of electrical lamps each set containing a plurality of colored lamp sets;

B. A plurality of holding relays and relay switches each connected with a particular colored lamp in a given colored lamp set for selectively energizing a given colored lamp.

C. a commutator having a plurality of first named contact points each separately connected by an electrical conductor to a respective holding relay for lamps of a particular set of colored lamps in such first named set of lamps and having a plurality of second named contact points each separately connected by an electrical conductor to a respective holding relay for the lamps of a different set of such colored lamps in such second named set of lamps said first and second named contact points being spaced from each other for simultaneous contact by the rider of said commutator;

D. A rider for said commutator for maintaining electrical contact with any one of said first named contact points while progressively engaging a. contact point of said second named contact points during progress of said rider thereover for establishing electrical circuit to successively selected pairs of said holding relays:

E. means for advancing said rider over said first and second named contact points for establishing and maintaining circuit continuity to said holding relay for the respective set of colored lamps related thereto in one set thereof and for progressively establishing electrical circuit continuity to the relay for the respective lamps in the other set thereof; and

F. a variable voltage supply comprising:

i. a variable inductance coil element having its one end electrically connected to all of the relay switches for said first named set of lamps and its opposite end elec- B. limit switches alternately engageable by the cam means trically connected to all of the relay switches for said on the shaft of said reversible motor for alternately consecond named set of lamps; necting circuit to one and the other of said timed delay 2. a sweep arm for supplying electrical current to said relays.

variable inductance coil; and 5 5. The apparatus in accordance with that of claim 4 includ- 3. means for osclllatmg tud s p a forth and back ingastep-up mechanism for said commutator comprising;

between the ends f aid a a inductance for a. a ratchet connected to the rider of said commutator;

gradually intensifying the 'f Pewly b. a spring urged pawl operatively associated with said sfilected PP P one set {hereof whlle dlmlmsh ratchet for advancing the latter and said rider in one sity of lumination of previously selected lamps of the 10 direction;

other set thereof.

c. a solenoid for attracting said pawl against the action of its spring;

d. a normally open make and break switch means connected to said solenoid to release said pawl for action by its spring; and

e. a cam on the shaft of said reversible motor for closing said make and break switch means to attract said pawl against the action of its spring during oscillation of said sweep arm on said variable voltage supply between the ends of 2. The control apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for oscillating said sweep arm is a reversible motor having its shaft connected to the sweep arm of said variable voltage supply 3. The control apparatus in accordance with that of claim 2 including an alternating switch mechanism for said reversible motor and cam means connected to the shaftof said reversible motor for alternating said alternating switch mechanism to reverse the turning of said shaft in timed relation to the operation of said commutator.

4. The apparatus in accordance with that of claim 3 in the con h cam havmg a decllvty fnatchmg the which said ahemating Switch mechanism comprises: angular distance between the ends of said coil for deener- A. a pair of timed delay relays and relay switches therefor Said soienoid the end of each cycle of operaiio" each connected to an opposite winding of the stator coils of 5am reverslble of said reversible motor; and 

1. Apparatus for establishing and maintaining circuit continuity to and gradually diminishing lumination of one set of colored lamps while gradually luminating a different set of colored lamps upon establishment of an electrical circuit thereto comprising in combination: A. First and second sets of electrical lamps each set containing a plurality of colored lamp sets; B. A plurality of holding relays and relay switches each connected with a particular colored lamp in a given colored lamp set for selectively energizing a given colored lamp. C. a commutator having a plurality of first named contact points each separately connected by an electrical conductor to a respective holding relay for lamps of a particular set of colored lamps in such first named set of lamps and having a plurality of second named contact points each separately connected by an electrical conductor to a respective holding relay for the lamps of a different set of such colored lamps in such second named set of lamps said first and sEcond named contact points being spaced from each other for simultaneous contact by the rider of said commutator; D. A rider for said commutator for maintaining electrical contact with any one of said first named contact points while progressively engaging a contact point of said second named contact points during progress of said rider thereover for establishing electrical circuit to successively selected pairs of said holding relays: E. means for advancing said rider over said first and second named contact points for establishing and maintaining circuit continuity to said holding relay for the respective set of colored lamps related thereto in one set thereof and for progressively establishing electrical circuit continuity to the relay for the respective lamps in the other set thereof; and F. a variable voltage supply comprising:
 1. a variable inductance coil element having its one end electrically connected to all of the relay switches for said first named set of lamps and its opposite end electrically connected to all of the relay switches for said second named set of lamps;
 2. a sweep arm for supplying electrical current to said variable inductance coil; and
 3. means for oscillating said sweep arm forth and back between the ends of said variable inductance coil for gradually intensifying the electrical current to newly selected lamps of one set thereof while diminish intensity of lumination of previously selected lamps of the other set thereof.
 2. a sweep arm for supplying electrical current to said variable inductance coil; and
 2. The control apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for oscillating said sweep arm is a reversible motor having its shaft connected to the sweep arm of said variable voltage supply
 3. The control apparatus in accordance with that of claim 2 including an alternating switch mechanism for said reversible motor and cam means connected to the shaft of said reversible motor for alternating said alternating switch mechanism to reverse the turning of said shaft in timed relation to the operation of said commutator.
 3. means for oscillating said sweep arm forth and back between the ends of said variable inductance coil for gradually intensifying the electrical current to newly selected lamps of one set thereof while diminish intensity of lumination of previously selected lamps of the other set thereof.
 4. The apparatus in accordance with that of claim 3 in which said alternating switch mechanism comprises: A. a pair of timed delay relays and relay switches therefor each connected to an opposite winding of the stator coils of said reversible motor; and B. limit switches alternately engageable by the cam means on the shaft of said reversible motor for alternately connecting circuit to one and the other of said timed delay relays.
 5. The apparatus in accordance with that of claim 4 including a step-up mechanism for said commutator comprising; a. a ratchet connected to the rider of said commutator; b. a spring urged pawl operatively associated with said ratchet for advancing the latter and said rider in one direction; c. a solenoid for attracting said pawl against the action of its spring; d. a normally open make and break switch means connected to said solenoid to release said pawl for action by its spring; and e. a cam on the shaft of said reversible motor for closing said make and break switch means to attract said pawl against the action of its spring during oscillation of said sweep arm on said variable voltage supply between the ends of the coil thereof, said cam having a declivity matching the angular distance between the ends of said coil for deenergizing said solenoid at the end of each cycle of operation of said reversible motor. 